Running Time: 97 minutes
This film from Sony Pictures Releasing opens exclusively at theaters on February 7th.
The arrival of Valentine’s Day typical results in the release of various rom-coms, some good and some not-so-good. Every so often, studios offer a bit of counterprogramming, like the 2003 slasher directly named after the date. That feature was something of a stinker that is difficult to recall today. After two decades, another film is attempting mix gruesomeness with love-centric shenanigans. Heart Eyes is a mixed bag of goodies that doesn’t all come together, but does work in fits and starts.
The story begins by introducing a masked psychopath known as the “Heart Eyes Killer” who, for the past two years, has murdered couples on February 14th in different cities. It becomes immediately clear that Seattle, Washington is the latest area being targeted. After her latest, ill-timed publicity campaign fails, young ad executive Ally (Olivia Holt) is forced to work with new arrival Jay (Mason Gooding) on a new series of ads. The two have an awkward meeting at a restaurant before being targeted by the title character. Despite their claims that they are not a romantic item, the maniac continues to pursue them. They seek help from police, including the single Detective Shaw (Jordana Brewster) and gruff Detective Hobbs (Devon Sawa), but find them little help as they are hunted across the city.
Even though it is extremely violent, there is a heavy emphasis on humor. This makes the nasty bits lighter in tone than one might expect. The film is clearly playing with Valentine’s Day tropes as it opens with characters being hunted in an idyllic locale. The opening set piece takes advantage of a winery and a grape-crushing vat to maximum effect. A drive-in is also effectively used and includes a disturbing impaling of an unfortunate pair of lovers. The villain’s outfit is also amusing, with two glowing heart shaped eyes.
The film also benefits from a strong cast. Holt and Gooding make a likable pair, with Gooding in particular offering several effectively amusing comments and reactions to some of the odd behavior he witnesses. This is especially true at the restaurant when Ally encounters her ex (Ben Black), who displays an odd lack of empathy for friends who very, very recently died. There is plenty of onscreen chemistry between the two leads and they make the most out of their dialogue and reactions to everything occurring around them, which makes the leads easy to root for.
So, what doesn’t work? After a few creative slayings, there is a repetitiveness to several the villain’s murders. And, of course, the antagonist has no trouble offing random figures, but really struggles when chasing down the leads. Speaking of which, some of the actions and behaviors displayed by the protagonists really stretch credibility. Yes, the film is supposed to be funny, but sometimes the back-and-forth between Ally and Jay right in the middle of an attack scene doesn’t play well. In one instance, the pair take cover behind a door, only to start a “cute” conversation and then be violently interrupted. One assumes the intent was to put an amusing twist a romantic cliché, but in this instance the behavior feels too bizarre and doesn’t earn a big laugh.
And while it’s entertaining to see the killer rampage through a drive-in theater, it does take people perhaps too long to react in terror to what’s occurring. In some respects, it feels like, in stumbling around town, the protagonists are actually unnecessarily adding victims for the villain. Still, while the motivations of the characters are highly questionable and dubious, but at least we know we aren’t supposed to be taking any of it all that seriously.
At least this is a step above the 2003 Valentine’s Day feature. The cast are remarkably charming, but the humor in this film is hit-and-miss and the set-pieces can range all the way from entertainingly demented to downright routine. Still, there is enough here to amuse horror enthusiasts over the next week or two. Heart Eyes isn’t perfect by a long stretch, but it is a cheerfully bloodthirsty slasher.